May 07, 2006
HCI Research Assistant - London
Via Usability News
Deadine: 15 May 2006
Amberlight is a user-centred design consultancy. We conduct research into the experience of using our client’s product, then deliver insights to help them design a better experience which will achieve their business goals. We work closely with clients put users at the heart of their design process. We have been working across multiple platforms with some of the most exciting brands in the world for six years, including MSN, AOL, BBC, Sony, Orange and O2.
We currently have 17 employees, and are continuing to grow steadily. We are now looking for a Research Assistant to join our friendly and enthusiastic team. This is a great opportunity for a future usability / UCD consultant to gain the experience they need while playing a very important role in a successful company.
The responsibilities for this role include:
- Providing support to consultants during user research – this will mainly consist of viewing usability tests remotely and taking notes in a fieldsheet template about the users behaviour, including marking issues and responses to particular questions of interest.
- Assisting with analysis – following testing, helping the consultant to process the information gathered during user research. This may involve completing a findings log with observed issues, holding an analysis workshop with the consultant, or processing results from the user research e.g. card sorting analysis.
- Set-up of technical equipment – helping the consultant to get ready for the research. This may involve setting up rooms and equipment for testing or configuring our recording software.
- Video editing – identifying suitable illustrative video clips with the consultant and making the clips. May also involve making full-session recordings for the client.
- Supporting the research process in other ways as required – may include helping with the user recruitment process, for example contacting users to arrange research sessions; and any small tasks required to help the consultant on the project e.g. proof reading, printing and binding reports, burning CDs etc.
You need to have:
- UCD/HCI knowledge – you need to have a good understanding of the HCI field of knowledge, preferably with a formal qualification in this area such as an MSc. Perhaps you are a recent grad looking to gain experience in the world of usability.
- Note-taking abilities – you need to be able to take notes rapidly using a computer (good typing speed essential) + be confident using Word and Excel.
- Strong analytical skills to help develop insights out of the data gathered.
- Methodological skills are an advantage e.g. experience of performing usability tests, expert walkthroughs, card sorting etc
- Interpersonal skills - you need to be able to communicate in a clear and confident professional manner. This is not primarily a client-facing role, but you may come into contact with clients while viewing, and you need to behave appropriately at all times.
- Technical competence – you are broadly confident using technology, and willing to learn about equipment configurations and software used in user research. Experience with TechSmith Morae a big plus.
- Can-do spirit - we are a smallish company and you need to work with the team – to be willing to pitch in to help with anything and to contribute positively to the culture.
- Accountability – you care about your work being brilliant quality, delivered on time and useful for the consultant, and end client.
- Ambition – our aim with this role is to help you develop, and over time we will give you more responsibilities and expose you to more of the project cycle.
- Passion – You are genuinely excited at the prospect of UCD principles being applied to everything in the world, for evermore.
What we can give you
- Great experience in a leading UCD consultancy
- An opportunity to progress to a Consultant position with time and support
- Brilliant people to work with
- A chance to work with the best client list on the most interesting projects in the business
- Flexibility to pursue your own HCI interests and build your name in the community.
Please send your CV and why you think you are right for this position to Pippa Gawley at pippa@amber-light.co.uk, as soon as possible and by Monday 15th May at the latest. Please note that we can only consider people who are already eligible to work in the UK for this position. No agencies please.
We currently have 17 employees, and are continuing to grow steadily. We are now looking for a Research Assistant to join our friendly and enthusiastic team. This is a great opportunity for a future usability / UCD consultant to gain the experience they need while playing a very important role in a successful company.
The responsibilities for this role include:
- Providing support to consultants during user research – this will mainly consist of viewing usability tests remotely and taking notes in a fieldsheet template about the users behaviour, including marking issues and responses to particular questions of interest.
- Assisting with analysis – following testing, helping the consultant to process the information gathered during user research. This may involve completing a findings log with observed issues, holding an analysis workshop with the consultant, or processing results from the user research e.g. card sorting analysis.
- Set-up of technical equipment – helping the consultant to get ready for the research. This may involve setting up rooms and equipment for testing or configuring our recording software.
- Video editing – identifying suitable illustrative video clips with the consultant and making the clips. May also involve making full-session recordings for the client.
- Supporting the research process in other ways as required – may include helping with the user recruitment process, for example contacting users to arrange research sessions; and any small tasks required to help the consultant on the project e.g. proof reading, printing and binding reports, burning CDs etc.
You need to have:
- UCD/HCI knowledge – you need to have a good understanding of the HCI field of knowledge, preferably with a formal qualification in this area such as an MSc. Perhaps you are a recent grad looking to gain experience in the world of usability.
- Note-taking abilities – you need to be able to take notes rapidly using a computer (good typing speed essential) + be confident using Word and Excel.
- Strong analytical skills to help develop insights out of the data gathered.
- Methodological skills are an advantage e.g. experience of performing usability tests, expert walkthroughs, card sorting etc
- Interpersonal skills - you need to be able to communicate in a clear and confident professional manner. This is not primarily a client-facing role, but you may come into contact with clients while viewing, and you need to behave appropriately at all times.
- Technical competence – you are broadly confident using technology, and willing to learn about equipment configurations and software used in user research. Experience with TechSmith Morae a big plus.
- Can-do spirit - we are a smallish company and you need to work with the team – to be willing to pitch in to help with anything and to contribute positively to the culture.
- Accountability – you care about your work being brilliant quality, delivered on time and useful for the consultant, and end client.
- Ambition – our aim with this role is to help you develop, and over time we will give you more responsibilities and expose you to more of the project cycle.
- Passion – You are genuinely excited at the prospect of UCD principles being applied to everything in the world, for evermore.
What we can give you
- Great experience in a leading UCD consultancy
- An opportunity to progress to a Consultant position with time and support
- Brilliant people to work with
- A chance to work with the best client list on the most interesting projects in the business
- Flexibility to pursue your own HCI interests and build your name in the community.
Please send your CV and why you think you are right for this position to Pippa Gawley at pippa@amber-light.co.uk, as soon as possible and by Monday 15th May at the latest. Please note that we can only consider people who are already eligible to work in the UK for this position. No agencies please.
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